Hersh: Fair Grounds horses to watch for week of Dec. 21
Clinger’s Riprap
Trainer: James Hodges
Last race: Dec. 15, 6th
Finish: 3rd, beaten 4 3/4
Beyer: 48
Had outside gate in this dirt route, broke out, and bug rider spent the first half-furlong trying to keep from going eight wide into the first turn. Wound up last behind pace that was slow early and slow middle. Subtly making strong late move when running up on heels a furlong from home. Like with similar next time.
Flashy Shoes
Trainer: Samuel Breaux
Last race: Dec. 16, 1st
Finish: 6th, beaten 3 1/4
Beyer: 64
Broke from post 1 in two-turn grass race for Louisiana-breds and had every chance to slip up into pocket, but instead was too hard-held in the first turn as another horse took her spot. That same horse backed right up into her face on the far turn, stopping Flashy Shoes for close to a half-furlong while the winner got away. Finished decently from there.